Texas Judge Rules Against Restrictions on 'Sexually Oriented Performances'
The Facts
A federal judge in Texas struck down a state law that restricted “sexually oriented performances” on public property or in the presence of minors, ruling that limits on such performances– including drag shows– are unconstitutional.
The legislation in question, Senate Bill 12, doesn't mention drag shows by name, but some critics say it could allow the state to target the LGBTQ+ community since it refers to “a male performer exhibiting as a female”, or vice versa, as a “sexually oriented performance."
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Not only did this discriminatory bill infringe on the rights of LGBTQ+ performers, but it was also so overly broad in scope that it could lead to a wide range of issues beyond just targeting drag performers. Thankfully, a federal judge saw through this assault on the First Amendment and struck it down.
Republican narrative
Contrary to criticisms, this bill doesn't seek to target the LGBTQ+ community but rather to protect children from inappropriate content, regardless of who circulates it. This ruling, however, prioritizes the interests of adults over the defense of America's youth. Texas — and the US as a whole — must keep fighting for its minors.